We're hiring
Chance Heritage Trust has two new part-time roles based in Smethwick. Applications close on Friday 4 September 2026.
Featured: The Lighthouse Mapping Project - > Explore the Interactive Lighthouse Map
Buffalo Main Lighthouse
United States
| Manufacture Date | 1856 |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Construction | Began 1817-Finished 1833 |
| Country | United States |
| Lens Order | 3rd order |
| Lens Type | Revolving |
| Status | publish |
| Light Character | White flash every 5 seconds |
| Lighthouse Markings | White conical with black lantern top |
| Lighthouse Parts | None. Lighthouse was built long prior to installation of the Chance lens. |
| Management Body Ports Authority | US Coast Guard |
| Preserver | Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society |
| Coastal Erosion Vulnerability | |
| Condition Observations | The lighthouse, which is the oldest construction still standing on its original site in Buffalo, was fully reconditioned with completion date of October 2011 and was reopened to the pubilc. |
| Open Status (Site) | Open |
| Open Status (Tower) | Open |
| Coordinates | 42.8773602816,-78.8909672589 |
| Other | The Chance lens, which cost $3,386.74 in 1856, is rotated by means of a cable in a 12 inch diameter 30 foot drop tube that had to be rewound every 7 hours by the keepers. The weight at the end of the cable is shown as 200 pounds. |
Lighthouse Location
You can zoom out to see the full world map of Lighthouses, or even try dragging Pegman onto the map to see the Lighthouse on Street View.